Explore Goa by Location · North Goa

Old Goa

Things to Do, Tours & Experiences

North Goa

Discover Old Goa

Old Goa is a historic destination in North Goa, known for its magnificent churches, Portuguese heritage, archaeological sites, riverside landscapes and cultural significance. Once the capital of Portuguese India, Old Goa is home to iconic landmarks such as the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Sé Cathedral, Church of St. Francis of Assisi and the Convent of St. Monica.

Located near Panjim, Ribandar and the Mandovi River, Old Goa is an ideal destination for travellers interested in history, architecture, culture, heritage walks and scenic day trips. At This Is Goa, we're here to help you explore more, discover memorable experiences and plan your Goa holiday your way.

Old Goa
Things to do

Things to Do in Old Goa

Heritage & Church Tours

Heritage & Church Tours

Explore Old Goa's historic churches, convents, museums and UNESCO-listed heritage sites. Discover the region's Portuguese influence, religious history, architecture and cultural traditions through guided or self-guided visits.

Explore Heritage Tours
Basilica of Bom Jesus

Basilica of Bom Jesus

Visit one of Goa's most important landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the historic architecture, religious artwork and cultural significance of the Basilica of Bom Jesus.

Explore Basilica of Bom Jesus
Sé Cathedral

Sé Cathedral

Discover one of the largest churches in Asia and an important symbol of Old Goa's religious heritage. Explore its grand interiors, historic details and peaceful surroundings.

Explore Sé Cathedral
Church of St. Francis of Assisi

Church of St. Francis of Assisi

Visit this historic church known for its Portuguese-Manueline architecture, ornate interiors and museum displaying religious art and artefacts.

Explore Church of St. Francis of Assisi
Convent & Church of St. Monica

Convent & Church of St. Monica

Explore one of Old Goa's historic convent complexes and learn more about the religious and architectural heritage of the former capital.

Explore Old Goa Churches
Archaeological Museum Tours

Archaeological Museum Tours

Discover sculptures, inscriptions, paintings and artefacts that reflect Goa's history, religious traditions and Portuguese-era past.

Explore Archaeological Museums
Heritage Walks

Heritage Walks

Walk through Old Goa's historic streets and monuments with a knowledgeable guide. Learn about the city's former importance, colonial history, churches, convents and changing cultural landscape.

Explore Heritage Walks
Mandovi River Cruises

Mandovi River Cruises

Experience Goa's scenic waterways with sunset cruises, dinner cruises, lunch cruises and private boat trips. Enjoy riverside views, live entertainment and a different perspective of the region from the Mandovi River.

Explore River Cruises in Goa
Kayaking Adventures

Kayaking Adventures

Paddle through Goa's peaceful waterways and mangrove landscapes on a refreshing kayaking adventure. Explore nearby backwaters and coastal waterways while enjoying a quieter side of Goa.

Explore Kayaking Experiences
Private Yacht Charters

Private Yacht Charters

Enjoy Goa from the water with a private yacht charter for family outings, romantic escapes, sunset sails and special celebrations. Discover yachts suited to different group sizes and occasions, with departures available from nearby marinas and waterfront locations.

Explore Private Yacht Charters
Local Experiences

Local Experiences

Discover Goa's culture, Portuguese heritage, village life, local food, traditions and hidden gems through experiences that bring you closer to the region and its people.

Explore Local Experiences
Spice Plantation Tours

Spice Plantation Tours

Explore tropical spice gardens, learn about traditional farming and experience the agricultural heritage and local food culture of Goa.

Explore Spice Plantation Tours
Waterfalls & Nature Escapes

Waterfalls & Nature Escapes

Trade historic sites for lush landscapes, forest trails and spectacular waterfalls. Explore nature excursions and scenic getaways beyond Goa's heritage attractions.

Explore Waterfalls & Nature Escapes
Adventure Activities

Adventure Activities

Go beyond sightseeing with trekking, waterfall excursions, ATV rides, bungee jumping, kayaking and other outdoor adventures across Goa.

Explore Adventure Activities
Tours & day trips

Tours & Day Trips from Old Goa

Sightseeing Tours

Sightseeing Tours

Explore Old Goa's churches, museums, heritage monuments, riverside attractions, Panjim, Fontainhas and other cultural landmarks through guided or customised sightseeing tours.

Explore Sightseeing Tours
Panjim & Fontainhas Tours

Panjim & Fontainhas Tours

Discover Goa's capital city, colourful Latin Quarter streets, Portuguese-style homes, heritage neighbourhoods, galleries, cafés and riverside attractions.

Explore Panjim & Fontainhas Tours
Dudhsagar Waterfall Tours

Dudhsagar Waterfall Tours

Discover the magnificent Dudhsagar Waterfalls and Goa's lush inland landscapes on a half-day or full-day excursion. Access and activities may vary with seasonal conditions.

Explore Dudhsagar Waterfall Tours
Spice Plantation Day Trips

Spice Plantation Day Trips

Enjoy a countryside escape to a Goan spice plantation, discover tropical plants and learn about traditional cultivation and local culinary heritage.

Explore Spice Plantation Tours
Dolphin Spotting Trips

Dolphin Spotting Trips

Enjoy a boat excursion along Goa's coastline while looking for dolphins and taking in scenic sea views. Sightings depend on natural conditions.

Book a Dolphin Spotting Trip
Scuba Diving Trips

Scuba Diving Trips

Explore underwater experiences at popular diving locations, including Grand Island. Compare available packages, departure points and inclusions before booking.

Explore Scuba Diving Trips
Island Trips & Coastal Adventures

Island Trips & Coastal Adventures

Discover island excursions, coastal boat rides and sea adventures that showcase Goa's natural beauty. Explore available trips and departure options to plan your outing.

Explore Island Trips & Boat Tours
Evenings, food & getting around

Nightlife, dining & transport

Nightlife & Nightclubs near Old Goa

Nightlife & Nightclubs near Old Goa

Old Goa is primarily known for its heritage and cultural attractions, while nearby Panjim, Candolim, Baga, Calangute and Vagator offer a wider choice of bars, live music venues, beach clubs and nightclubs. Enjoy a relaxed evening in the capital or travel to North Goa for a livelier nightlife experience.

Restaurants & Dining near Old Goa

Restaurants & Dining near Old Goa

Enjoy traditional Goan seafood, local cuisine, Portuguese-inspired dishes, cafés, restaurants and riverside dining around Old Goa, Panjim and nearby areas. Sample regional specialities and discover Goa's diverse food culture during your visit.

Photo coming soonCar Rentals & Transportation in Old Goa

Car Rentals & Transportation in Old Goa

Explore Goa at your own pace with car rentals, scooter rentals, taxis and airport transfers. Compare suitable transport options for heritage visits, sightseeing, day trips and travel between destinations.

Find Car Rentals in Old Goa
Nearby

Nearby Places to Explore from Old Goa

Panjim

Panjim

Explore Goa's capital city, including Fontainhas, heritage streets, riverside attractions, restaurants and Mandovi River cruises.

Explore Panjim
Fontainhas

Fontainhas

Walk through Goa's colourful Latin Quarter, known for Portuguese-style homes, narrow lanes, art galleries, cafés and heritage architecture.

Ribandar

Ribandar

Discover a peaceful riverside area with historic churches, old Portuguese homes, scenic views and a quieter atmosphere close to Old Goa.

Reis Magos Fort

Reis Magos Fort

Visit this historic fort for panoramic views of the Mandovi River, Panjim skyline and surrounding coastline.

Explore Forts
Miramar Beach

Miramar Beach

Enjoy a scenic beach near Panjim with broad sands, sunset views and a relaxed atmosphere along the Arabian Sea.

Dona Paula

Dona Paula

Visit this popular viewpoint for coastal scenery, waterfront views and access to nearby boat rides and attractions.

Divar Island

Divar Island

Experience a quieter side of Goa with village landscapes, traditional homes, churches, seasonal festivals and scenic ferry crossings.

Explore Islands Trips

Travel Tips for Visiting Old Goa

  • Best time to visit: October to May is generally preferred for heritage walks, sightseeing, cruises and outdoor experiences.
  • Monsoon season: June to September brings heavy rainfall, and some outdoor activities or boat trips may be affected.
  • Church visits: Dress respectfully and follow photography, entry and visitor guidelines at religious sites.
  • Sun protection: Carry sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and drinking water.
  • Getting around: Scooters are useful for short trips, while cars and taxis suit families and longer journeys.
  • Traffic: Allow extra time during weekends, holidays, festivals and peak tourist season.
  • Boat trips: River cruises and water activities depend on weather, tides and operating conditions.
  • Local etiquette: Respect religious spaces, heritage monuments, local customs and public areas.
  • Advance bookings: Reserve popular cruises, guided tours, diving trips and special experiences ahead of time.
  • Responsible travel: Keep heritage sites and natural areas clean, avoid touching historic structures and respect local communities.

How to Reach Old Goa

  • Manohar International Airport (Mopa): Taxis and pre-arranged transfers are available to Old Goa.
  • Goa International Airport (Dabolim): Reach Old Goa by taxi or private transfer.
  • Karmali Railway Station: The closest railway station for travellers visiting Old Goa.
  • Madgaon Railway Station: Travellers arriving in South Goa can continue to Old Goa by taxi, bus or other suitable transport.
  • Thivim Railway Station: A convenient rail arrival option for travellers combining Old Goa with North Goa destinations.

Old Goa is accessible from both of Goa's airports and several railway stations.

Travel times vary depending on traffic, route and transport arrangements.

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Discover · Plan · Book · Experience Goa

Explore Old Goa with This Is Goa

Your Goa holiday can be about more than just the beach. Explore Old Goa's historic churches, walk through heritage sites, discover Portuguese architecture, visit museums, enjoy a Mandovi River cruise, experience local culture or continue to nearby beaches, waterfalls and scenic islands.

With This Is Goa, discover activities, attractions, tours, cruises, local experiences and travel essentials in one place. We're here to help you find experiences that suit your interests and make the most of your time in Goa.